DETROIT, August 13, 2024 — As the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, celebrates its centennial year, David Krysak, director of practice development at Progressive Companies and Steven Lorenzo, vice president at Barton Malow have been named co-chairs of this year’s Hard Hats with Heart Michigan.
Hard Hats with Heart is a construction industry-specific initiative from the American Heart Association to improve the cardiovascular health of Michigan’s construction workers. The campaign integrates health, well-being and prevention solutions into the industry’s culture by inspiring companies to implement initiatives to improve employee health. These solutions include providing healthy food options, promoting physical activity during breaks, implementing stress-reducing programs, educating employees about the signs of heart disease and teaching employees CPR.
Workers in the construction industry are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In fact, 343,000 construction workers (1 in 25) are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease annually. [1].
“Heart disease has directly affected me personally, first with the loss of a grandfather who I would never meet and again in 2021 with the loss of my godfather,” said Krysak. “This personal connection placed an emphasis in me on the importance of sharing awareness, prevention and treatment techniques with others, especially those within our industry.”
Progressive Companies agrees with Krysak – it focuses on offering programs for their employees to make sure they are prepared proactively, through offerings like wellness programs and health screenings. Progressive Companies employees are also equipped to react in case of an emergency through first aid, CPR and AED training. To aid in this goal, Progressive Companies has also now placed AEDs in all of its offices.
Lorenzo is not without a personal connection to heart disease as well. “Heart disease has deeply affected my family, notably with the loss of my mother to heart failure in 2015,” he said. “This personal experience has helped drive my dedication to the American Heart Association over the past decade and my commitment to initiatives like the Heart Walk and Hard Hats with Heart.”
Lorenzo and Barton Malow recognize the importance of not only ‘talking the talk’, but ‘walking the walk’, with a culture focused on serving and bettering the community and many staff and executives eager to participate in American Heart Association initiatives.
“It is an honor to work with Steve and David,” said Nicole Johnson, American Heart Association development director. “They are the perfect co-chairs for Hard Hats with Heart, considering their years of experience, expertise, knowledge of the business, creativity and their leadership within the executive leadership team. Barton Malow and Progressive Companies are leaders in the industry when it comes to giving back and putting their employees’ health, safety and well-being first.”
For more information on Hard Hats with Heart Michigan visit www.heart.org/detroithardhats or contact Nicole Johnson at Nicole.Johnson@heart.org
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Sarah Rood: Sarah.Rood@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] https://wwwn.cdc.gov/Niosh-whc/chart/brfss-chronic?OU=CVD&T=O&V=R2